Focus: Possession Drill
Number of Players: 10
Age: +U13
Level: Medium
Setup:
- Create a rectangular field approximately 55×40 meters, with a central zone of about 15 meters in width.
- Form two teams, each comprising 4 to 6 players, and assign a goalkeeper to each team.
- Feel free to adjust the length to better suit the needs of your team.
Why Use This Drill?
This dynamic drill promotes strategic play and patience as players navigate through two distinct zones on the field. By restricting ball movement to dribbling through the central zone, it encourages thoughtful build-up play. The defending team faces a strategic dilemma, deciding whether to press high and potentially disrupt the opposing team’s progress or hold a more cautious approach.
This scenario not only sharpens dribbling skills and decision-making for the attacking team but also challenges defensive coordination and decision-making for the defending team. The drill provides a valuable training ground for understanding the balance between defensive pressure and the associated risks, enhancing players’ tactical awareness on the field.
How It Works
In this drill, the field is divided into two ends, and the players have the freedom to move within their respective zones. However, the ball can only transition from one end to the other through dribbling in the central zone. This setup encourages players to construct their plays patiently, waiting for the right moment to dribble through the central area.
The defending team has the option to apply high pressure, aiming to prevent the attacking team from playing out of their zone. Yet, this defensive strategy comes with a risk. If the attacking team successfully navigates through the pressure, significant scoring opportunities open up. Therefore, the defending side must approach this tactic with careful consideration.
Other Key Points:
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Encourage players to exercise patience and wait for the right moment to break through the middle zone.
- Make sure the defenders are communicating with each other.
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Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
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The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.
